Understanding What Happens in Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal glands are small organs that sit just above your kidneys. Though small, they play a big part in keeping you healthy by making important hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones help regulate blood pressure, energy, stress, and even how your body handles salt and sugar. When the adrenal glands do not produce enough of these hormones, the condition is called adrenal insufficiency. This can affect how you feel on a daily basis and may lead to serious health problems if not treated.

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital, we support people with hormonal conditions such as adrenal insufficiency, helping them understand the condition and how to manage it with confidence.

What Is Adrenal Insufficiency?

Adrenal insufficiency happens when your adrenal glands are not able to make enough cortisol or, in some cases, aldosterone. There are two main types of adrenal insufficiency

• Primary adrenal insufficiency, also called Addison’s disease, happens when the adrenal glands are damaged and cannot make hormones

  
  

• Secondary adrenal insufficiency happens when the pituitary gland does not signal the adrenal glands to make enough cortisol

  
  

Both types affect your body’s ability to respond to stress, regulate blood pressure, and maintain normal blood sugar levels. Dr Tay Tunn Lin explains that while adrenal insufficiency is rare, it can be serious if not diagnosed early. With the right treatment, most people can live well and stay active.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

The signs of adrenal insufficiency can come on slowly or suddenly. They are often easy to miss or mistaken for other health issues.

Common symptoms include

• Ongoing tiredness or weakness

• Dizziness or feeling faint, especially when standing

• Loss of appetite or weight loss

• Stomach pain or nausea

• Low blood pressure

• Craving salty foods

• Low mood or irritability

  
  

If cortisol levels fall too low too quickly, it can cause a serious condition known as an adrenal crisis. This needs urgent medical attention and may include symptoms such as

• Severe weakness

• Low blood pressure

• Confusion

• Vomiting

• Loss of consciousness

  
  

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, Dr Tay Tunn Lin encourages patients to seek early advice if they are experiencing ongoing fatigue, light-headedness, or other changes that do not have a clear cause.

What Causes Adrenal Insufficiency?

Adrenal insufficiency can be caused by different health conditions. These may include

• Autoimmune diseases that damage the adrenal glands

• Infections such as tuberculosis that affect the adrenal glands

• Long-term use of steroid medication followed by sudden stopping

• Pituitary gland disorders, which affect hormone signals

• Rare genetic conditions that impact hormone production

  
  

It is important to understand the cause so the treatment can be tailored to your needs. At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital, we provide clear explanations and appropriate investigations to get to the root of the problem.

How Is Adrenal Insufficiency Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a review of your symptoms and medical history. Blood tests are used to check your hormone levels, especially cortisol and ACTH (the hormone that tells the adrenal glands to produce cortisol). You may also be asked to take a stimulation test to see how your body responds to stress. Some people may need imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to look at the adrenal or pituitary glands.

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, Dr Tay Tunn Lin will guide you through every step and explain what each test means, so you feel informed and reassured.

How Is Adrenal Insufficiency Treated?

Treatment usually involves replacing the missing hormones with daily medication. The most common treatments are

• Hydrocortisone or prednisolone, to replace cortisol

• Fludrocortisone, if aldosterone is also low (usually in primary adrenal insufficiency)

  
  

These medications are taken daily and help your body function normally. During times of illness, stress, or surgery, the dose may need to be increased temporarily.

People with adrenal insufficiency are also advised to carry a medical alert card and emergency steroid kit, especially when travelling or engaging in strenuous activity. Dr Tay Tunn Lin works closely with each patient to find the right balance of treatment and support. At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, we help you manage medication, understand warning signs, and prepare for emergencies.

Living Well With Adrenal Insufficiency

With the right treatment and regular follow-up, most people with adrenal insufficiency can lead full and active lives. Some helpful steps include

• Taking your medication exactly as prescribed

• Knowing when to increase your dose (for example, when you have a fever or injury)

• Eating well and staying hydrated

• Having regular check-ups to monitor your health

• Carrying emergency medication in case of a crisis

  
  

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital, we are here to guide you through every part of your care, from diagnosis to daily management.

When to Seek Help

If you notice signs of ongoing fatigue, dizziness, or unexplained weight loss, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor. You should also get checked if you have stopped taking steroids recently or have a history of autoimmune or hormonal conditions. Cedar Endocrine Clinic offers detailed hormone assessments in a calm and supportive setting. Dr Tay Tunn Lin will help you understand what your symptoms may mean and what your options are.

Book Your Appointment

Early diagnosis and proper treatment can make a big difference. If you are concerned about adrenal insufficiency or want to review your hormone health, contact Cedar Endocrine Clinic today.We are located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital and are here to support your journey to better health.